The Eagle Tribune

Manuel Pacheco Leal

January 20, 1952 - January 07, 2019

Lawrence - Manuel Pacheco Leal, 66, of Lawrence, peacefully ended his four-year struggle with Alzheimer’s on January 7, 2019 after his family kept vigil by his side for three days.
He was born in Terceira, Azores, Portugal on January 20, 1952. He was a longtime resident of Lawrence since 1966.
He retired from Cardinal Shoe Factory after 49 years and was a member of the Portuguese American Club in Lawrence. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Manuel had a passion for soccer since early childhood and played in leagues across the region into his 60s. He enjoyed spending time with family, laughing and joking, and reclining in front of the television.
Manuel was husband to Karen (DiCenzo) Leal of Lawrence for forty-five years, father of two loving daughters, Tina and her husband, Stephen Arrington of Salem, NH, and Mindy Leal of Haverhill, and grandfather to his beloved granddaughter, Piper Isabelle. He is survived by six siblings: Rui and his wife, Dagmar of Port Saint Lucie, FL, Anselmo and his wife, Fatima of Methuen, Edwin and his wife, Eduarda of Methuen, Oldemira and her husband, Daniel Curran of Fort Myers Beach, FL, Helio and his wife, Diane of Salem, NH, and James and his wife, Zulmira of Dracut. He leaves 16 nieces and nephews and 24 great-nieces and nephews. He is survived by an aunt, Izilda Pacheco Silva of Terceira, Azores and by several cousins.
Manuel was predeceased by his parents, Jaime S. and Iracema Leal, by his father-in-law Joseph DiCenzo, and by his nephew, Daniel Curran, III.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to visit on Sunday, January 13, 2019 from 4 to 8 pm, at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Lucy Parish, 254 Merrimack Street, Methuen, on Monday, January 14, 2019 at 11 a.m. The family request that those attending the funeral mass to please meet at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Manuel’s honor may be made to Wingate of Haverhill, 190 North Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830. For directions or to send a condolence, please visit www.cataudellafh.com.